Statement of Acknowledgement of Traditional Land (PDAD&C #72)

From: Sheree Drummond, Secretary of the Governing Council
Date: June 16, 2016
Re: Statement of Acknowledgement of Traditional Land (PDAD&C #72)

The Ceremonials Committee of the Governing Council has approved a Statement of Acknowledgement of Traditional Land to be used at specific university ceremonies such as Convocation, Groundbreakings, and Building Openings:

I (we) wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land. 

This statement was developed in consultation with First Nations House and its Elders Circle, some scholars in the field, and senior University officials. The statement is applicable to all three campuses – UTM, UTSC, and St. George – as well as the Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill, the Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS), and is available to all members of the University community for use at University events as appropriate.

Questions concerning use of the statement should be directed to:

Bryn MacPherson
Assistant Vice-President & Chief of Protocol
Office of the President
bryn.macpherson@utoronto.ca